Abu Omar case: no more concessions on accountability

Abu Omar case: no more concessions on accountability

The ICJ today expressed satisfaction that the Italian judiciary and prosecutors have begun to address some of the worst human rights abuses arising in the post-11 September environment.

The Tribunal of Milan convicted 23 of 26 CIA agents charged with the kidnapping and enforced disappearance of Nasr Osama Mustafa Hassan (known as Abu Omar) in February 2003. Abu Omar was abducted by CIA agents from the streets of Milan in February 2003, with the cooperation of Italian officials, and transferred through Germany to Egypt, where he was subjected to torture.

Italy-Abu Omar case-press release-2009 (full text, PDF)

ICJ questions fairness of appeal hearing in case of human rights defender Evgeniy Zhovtis

ICJ questions fairness of appeal hearing in case of human rights defender Evgeniy Zhovtis

The ICJ today expressed its concern at deficiencies in the appeal process in which the conviction of the prominent Kazakh human rights defender Evgeniy Zhovtis was upheld this week.

ICJ Commissioner Karinna Moskalenko observed the appeal hearing on 20 October, on behalf of the ICJ, to assess its compliance with international fair trial standards.

Kazakhastan-ICJ questions fairness of appeal hearing-press release-2009-eng (full text, PDF)

Kazakhastan-ICJ questions fairness of appeal hearing-press release-2009-rus (full text, PDF)

Spain: ICJ condemns prosecution of Magistrate Garzón

Spain: ICJ condemns prosecution of Magistrate Garzón

The ICJ today expressed its concern about the criminal prosecution of Magistrate Baltasar Garzón for his investigation into crimes against humanity committed during and after the Spanish Civil War.

Judge Garzón is being prosecuted before the Second Chamber (Criminal) of the Spanish Supreme Court for intentionally issuing an unjust judgment or ruling (the offence of prevaricación).

 

Spain-Garzón-press release-2009-eng (full text in English, PDF)

 

Kazakhstan: the ICJ calls for withdrawal of disbarment proceedings against defence lawyer

Kazakhstan: the ICJ calls for withdrawal of disbarment proceedings against defence lawyer

The Kazakhstan authorities should withdraw the unfounded and abusive disbarment proceedings begun this week against prominent Kazakh defence lawyer Daniyar Kanafin, the ICJ said today.

The attempt to annul Mr Kanafin’s licence to practice follows public comments in which he criticised the Kazakh law on state secrets as contrary to international law. The National Security Committee has sought his disbarment on the grounds that these comments create a negative image of the Government and of Kazakh legislation in the eyes of the international community.


Kazakhstan-ICJ calls for withdrawal of disbarment proceedings-Press Release-2009-Eng (full text, PDF)

Kazakhstan-ICJ calls for withdrawal of disbarment proceedings-Press Release-2009-Rus (full text, PDF)

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